cell phones on rides

[recycled]

I'm not trying to stir up trouble. I know there are two opposing views. I
honestly have no iron in the fire.. or rather, cleat in the pedal.

But I do have a compromise of etiquette that might work.

In a group ride cells must be on vibrate or otherwise unobtrusive and. To
answer though a rider should drop back at least 20 lengths from the main
group for the duration of his or her cell phone usage. This applies to hands
free versions. Otherwise the rider must stop for the duration of the call.

Would most find this acceptable?

[DanKMTB@gmail.com]

On Jul 31, 8:46*am, "recycled" <u-l...@hotmail.com> wrote:
> *I'm not trying to stir up trouble. I know there are two opposing views.. I
> honestly have no iron in the fire.. or rather, cleat in the pedal.
>
> *But I do have a compromise of etiquette that might work.
>
> *In a group ride cells must be on vibrate or otherwise unobtrusive and. To
> answer though a rider should drop back at least 20 lengths from the main
> group for the duration of his or her cell phone usage. This applies to hands
> free versions. Otherwise the rider must stop for the duration of the call..
>
> *Would most find this acceptable?

"must be on vibrate"
"at least 20 lengths for the duration of his or her sell phone usage"
"this applies to"
"otherwise the rider must"

I'd ride a huffy on bare rims with just me, myself and I before I rode
with a group that had rules like that. It's no wonder I'm a mountain
biker - I'm rethinking this whole "road group ride" thing all of a
sudden. What I'm doing now might be best - road bike by myself and
mountain biking with others. You know, to have fun.
(www.dictionary.com if that's an unfamiliar word).

[Peter Cole]

recycled wrote:
>
> I'm not trying to stir up trouble. I know there are two opposing views.
> I honestly have no iron in the fire.. or rather, cleat in the pedal.
>
> But I do have a compromise of etiquette that might work.
>
> In a group ride cells must be on vibrate or otherwise unobtrusive and.
> To answer though a rider should drop back at least 20 lengths from the
> main group for the duration of his or her cell phone usage. This applies
> to hands free versions. Otherwise the rider must stop for the duration
> of the call.
>
> Would most find this acceptable?
>
>

I don't know what you're concerned about -- courtesy or safety. As for
safety, I've seen lots of people wobble all over the place while simply
drinking from a bottle, while others can hold a line perfectly while
removing a jacket. As for the courtesy, loud cell phone conversations
are at least one-sided, I've been on many a ride where I was forced to
drop back or endure an endless (shouted) conversation between two or
more riders. I prefer group rides where the pace is too fast for anyone
to talk. I have friends who will speed it up whenever the yakking
starts, even to the point of knowing the exact pulse rate that'll shut
up the worst offenders. Works well.

[limeylew@gmail.com]

On Jul 31, 7:46*am, "recycled" <u-l...@hotmail.com> wrote:
> *I'm not trying to stir up trouble. I know there are two opposing views.. I
> honestly have no iron in the fire.. or rather, cleat in the pedal.
>
> *But I do have a compromise of etiquette that might work.
>
> *In a group ride cells must be on vibrate or otherwise unobtrusive and. To
> answer though a rider should drop back at least 20 lengths from the main
> group for the duration of his or her cell phone usage. This applies to hands
> free versions. Otherwise the rider must stop for the duration of the call..
>
> *Would most find this acceptable?

To be rude, to be ignorant and to lack class defines the average
cyclist.

I'd much rather just ride by myself.

Lewis.

*****

[Leo Lichtman]

"recycled" wrote: (clip) But I do have a compromise of etiquette that might
work. (clip)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Your idea is excellent, but it does not go far enough. First of all, in
order to eliminate the obvious bad-faith efforts of riders to claim they
didn't know, each cyclist should be required to read the rules, initial each
paragraph in front of a witness, and the have both the witness and the rider
sign at the bottom (of the last page.)

One of the lead riders should be equipped with a wind sock on a mast, so it
is visible to all behind. No one should be allowed to spit without first
noting the wind strength and direction, and aiming in such a way that no one
is hit. Anyone who causes a spit-hit, whether by intention, negligence or
good faith miscalculation, should be required to wipe the spit off the
victim, and apologize.

Anyone eating a banana while riding must dispose of the peel in a sanitary
manner, to be determined by the ride organizers, taking into account the
type of terrain and the availability of trash receptacles. In case of a
disputed disposal action, the decision of the ride officials shall be final.
Anyone who disagrees with such ruling will have the option of never going on
another ride with this group.

This list of rules shall be kept open, so that additons may made as
required. The list shall be considered complete if no new problems arise,
and cannot be conceived of.

[recycled]

<DanKMTB@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:689f77af-22c7-4e06-95aa-f2c6937bfc17@27g2000hsf.googlegroups.com...
On Jul 31, 8:46 am, "recycled" <u-l...@hotmail.com> wrote:
>> I'm not trying to stir up trouble. I know there are two opposing views. I
>> honestly have no iron in the fire.. or rather, cleat in the pedal.
>
>> But I do have a compromise of etiquette that might work.
>>
>> In a group ride cells must be on vibrate or otherwise unobtrusive and. To
>> answer though a rider should drop back at least 20 lengths from the main
>> group for the duration of his or her cell phone usage. This applies to
>> hands
>> free versions. Otherwise the rider must stop for the duration of the
>> call.
>>
>> Would most find this acceptable?

>"must be on vibrate"
>"at least 20 lengths for the duration of his or her sell phone usage"
>"this applies to"
>"otherwise the rider must"

>I'd ride a huffy on bare rims with just me, myself and I before I rode
> with a group that had rules like that. It's no wonder I'm a mountain
> biker - I'm rethinking this whole "road group ride" thing all of a
> sudden. What I'm doing now might be best - road bike by myself and
> mountain biking with others. You know, to have fun.
> (www.dictionary.com if that's an unfamiliar word).

I'll put you down as 'no' then.

I'll reiterate though: this isn't for my own benefit. I don't do groups
rides nor carry a cell. They can bike in the nude after eating only baked
beans while blasting out La Cucaracha! in unison on their ringtones for all
I care.

But I do recognize this is a point of disagreement among riders and put
forward a modest proposal.

It just seemed to me that given the overwhelming prevalence of cells and
the distraction it provides to other riders, the etiquette of dropping back
from the group to use said cell seemed a reasonable compromise.

[Dane Buson]

DanKMTB@gmail.com <DanKMTB@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> "must be on vibrate"
> "at least 20 lengths for the duration of his or her sell phone usage"
> "this applies to"
> "otherwise the rider must"
>
> I'd ride a huffy on bare rims with just me, myself and I before I rode
> with a group that had rules like that. It's no wonder I'm a mountain
> biker - I'm rethinking this whole "road group ride" thing all of a
> sudden. What I'm doing now might be best - road bike by myself and
> mountain biking with others. You know, to have fun.
> (www.dictionary.com if that's an unfamiliar word).

My group has people taking calls semi-frequently. But it's usually
people trying to find us to join up. Well, I suppose some people are
taking personal or work calls as well.

If we're really hammering, people either drop off or don't answer the
phone. Pretty much that simple.

I think the 'rules' mentioned are sort of overzealous (and I sort of
loathe cell phones personally).

--
Dane Buson - nn07tp08@unixbigots.org
"Ladies, leave your clothes here and spend the afternoon
having a good time."
-Sign seen in a Rome laundry

[DanKMTB@gmail.com]

On Jul 31, 10:52*am, "recycled" <u-l...@hotmail.com> wrote:
> <DanK...@gmail.com> wrote in message
>
> news:689f77af-22c7-4e06-95aa-f2c6937bfc17@27g2000hsf.googlegroups.com...
> On Jul 31, 8:46 am, "recycled" <u-l...@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
> >> I'm not trying to stir up trouble. I know there are two opposing views.. I
> >> honestly have no iron in the fire.. or rather, cleat in the pedal.
>
> >> But I do have a compromise of etiquette that might work.
>
> >> In a group ride cells must be on vibrate or otherwise unobtrusive and. To
> >> answer though a rider should drop back at least 20 lengths from the main
> >> group for the duration of his or her cell phone usage. This applies to
> >> hands
> >> free versions. Otherwise the rider must stop for the duration of the
> >> call.
>
> >> Would most find this acceptable?
> >"must be on vibrate"
> >"at least 20 lengths for the duration of his or her sell phone usage"
> >"this applies to"
> >"otherwise the rider must"
> >I'd ride a huffy on bare rims with just me, myself and I before I rode
> > with a group that had rules like that. *It's no wonder I'm a mountain
> > biker - I'm rethinking this whole "road group ride" thing all of a
> > sudden. *What I'm doing now might be best - road bike by myself and
> > mountain biking with others. *You know, to have fun.
> > (www.dictionary.comif that's an unfamiliar word).
>
> *I'll put you down as 'no' then.
>
> *I'll reiterate though: this isn't for my own benefit. I don't do groups
> rides nor carry a cell. *They can bike in the nude after eating only baked
> beans while blasting out La Cucaracha! in unison on their ringtones for all
> I care.
>
> *But I do recognize this is a point of disagreement among riders and put
> forward a modest proposal.
>
> *It just seemed to me that given the overwhelming prevalence of cells and
> the distraction it provides to other riders, the etiquette of dropping back
> from the group to use said cell seemed a reasonable compromise.- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

Yeah, put me down as a no in sharpie, unless you can find a chisel to
engrave it in stone. To be clear, I’m not a cell phone junkie – I
often go weeks and sometimes months without using mine. Last time I
lost one it took me 3 months to get around to replacing it. Still, I
ride bikes for fun. Any ride that had rules more plentiful and more
anal-retentive than the gun clubs I shoot at seems backwards to me.
Make a call, take a call, take your clothes off, stop off at the pub
for a cold one, cut across some shortcut to get back into the group
and smoke a j on your way through the shortcut, I really don’t give a
damn. If I’m out riding I’m just out to ride and have fun. When we
start getting catholic-school rules with high levels of douche-chill
inducing bylaws, count me out.

[Mike A Schwab]

On Jul 31, 9:52*am, "recycled" <u-l...@hotmail.com> wrote:
> <DanK...@gmail.com> wrote in message
>
<deleted>
> *I'll reiterate though: this isn't for my own benefit. I don't do groups
> rides nor carry a cell. *They can bike in the nude

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/stlouiscitycounty/story/EA1210B3D6FCA6EC86257496005A6E0D?OpenDocument
Saturday ride 9pm, Tower Grove Park, St. Louis, MO.


> after eating only baked
> beans while blasting out La Cucaracha! in unison on their ringtones for all
> I care.
>
> *But I do recognize this is a point of disagreement among riders and put
> forward a modest proposal.
>
> *It just seemed to me that given the overwhelming prevalence of cells and
> the distraction it provides to other riders, the etiquette of dropping back
> from the group to use said cell seemed a reasonable compromise.- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

[Shawn]

recycled wrote:

snip

> I'll reiterate though: this isn't for my own benefit. I don't do groups
> rides nor carry a cell. They can bike in the nude after eating only
> baked beans while blasting out La Cucaracha! in unison on their
> ringtones for all I care.

You're trolling then.

[Paul O]

DanKMTB@gmail.com wrote, On 7/31/2008 11:20 AM:
> <snip>
> If I’m out riding I’m just out to ride and have fun. When we
> start getting catholic-school rules with high levels of douche-chill
> inducing bylaws, count me out.
>
Newsgroup quote of the week! I heartily agree....... :-D

--

Paul D Oosterhout
I work for SAIC (but I don't speak for SAIC)

[recycled]

"Peter Cole" <peter_cole@verizon.net> wrote in message
news:Jelkk.642$rb5.384@trnddc04...

> I don't know what you're concerned about -- courtesy or safety.

Courtesy. I just threw in the 'stop' part in anticipation of the 'but it's
stil not safe' rebuttal.


> As for safety, I've seen lots of people wobble all over the place while
> simply drinking from a bottle, while others can hold a line perfectly
> while removing a jacket. As for the courtesy, loud cell phone
> conversations are at least one-sided, I've been on many a ride where I was
> forced to drop back or endure an endless (shouted) conversation between
> two or more riders.

Anecdote. Though I don't do spin classes either I know of a simlar
situation. Two members thought spin class was spin and talk class and of
course you can't xactly distance yourself from the group in that instance.
Some other member did express their disapproval.

> I prefer group rides where the pace is too fast for anyone to talk. I
> have friends who will speed it up whenever the yakking starts, even to the
> point of knowing the exact pulse rate that'll shut up the worst offenders.
> Works well.

That is more or less a proactive version of the same thing. If you are going
to do something distracting, distance yourself from the group is what I was
trying to get at. Obviously poorly.

Think of it as something similar to needing to let fly a loogy. You would
be careful to not let that impact other members of the group.

[Mike Jacoubowsky]

> I don't know what you're concerned about -- courtesy or safety. As for
> safety, I've seen lots of people wobble all over the place while simply
> drinking from a bottle, while others can hold a line perfectly while
> removing a jacket. As for the courtesy, loud cell phone conversations are
> at least one-sided, I've been on many a ride where I was forced to drop
> back or endure an endless (shouted) conversation between two or more
> riders. I prefer group rides where the pace is too fast for anyone to
> talk. I have friends who will speed it up whenever the yakking starts,
> even to the point of knowing the exact pulse rate that'll shut up the
> worst offenders. Works well.

Nobody would ever have to worry about me interrupting their tranquility, at
least not from yakking on a cell phone. My lungs are noisy enough to be
heard a corner or two away on a hard climb; for me to have to try and talk
would require that I throttle back rather dramatically.

If I had to take a call during a ride, it would quite likely involve having
to stop to carry on the conversation. But the time saved using a headpiece
instead of having to fish a phone out of a plastic bad in my pocket could
mean the difference between reconnecting with my group or not seeing them
until the next ride.

--Mike Jacoubowsky
Chain Reaction Bicycles
www.ChainReaction.com
Redwood City & Los Altos, CA USA




"Peter Cole" <peter_cole@verizon.net> wrote in message
news:Jelkk.642$rb5.384@trnddc04...
> recycled wrote:
>>
>> I'm not trying to stir up trouble. I know there are two opposing views. I
>> honestly have no iron in the fire.. or rather, cleat in the pedal.
>>
>> But I do have a compromise of etiquette that might work.
>>
>> In a group ride cells must be on vibrate or otherwise unobtrusive and. To
>> answer though a rider should drop back at least 20 lengths from the main
>> group for the duration of his or her cell phone usage. This applies to
>> hands free versions. Otherwise the rider must stop for the duration of
>> the call.
>>
>> Would most find this acceptable?
>>
>>
>
> I don't know what you're concerned about -- courtesy or safety. As for
> safety, I've seen lots of people wobble all over the place while simply
> drinking from a bottle, while others can hold a line perfectly while
> removing a jacket. As for the courtesy, loud cell phone conversations are
> at least one-sided, I've been on many a ride where I was forced to drop
> back or endure an endless (shouted) conversation between two or more
> riders. I prefer group rides where the pace is too fast for anyone to
> talk. I have friends who will speed it up whenever the yakking starts,
> even to the point of knowing the exact pulse rate that'll shut up the
> worst offenders. Works well.

[Rex Kerr]

Peter Cole wrote:
> more riders. I prefer group rides where the pace is too fast for anyone
> to talk. I have friends who will speed it up whenever the yakking
> starts, even to the point of knowing the exact pulse rate that'll shut
> up the worst offenders. Works well.

Why do a social activity if you're going to be (un/anti)social? I like
meeting new people when I'm out for a ride and often talk to other
commuters or others on larger organized rides. (I don't ride in club rides)

--
Work and recreation are not often effected at the same time.
One using a bicycle in business makes an exception to the rule.
- Dr. Edgar H. Earl, Rochester. (~1892)

[Peter Cole]

recycled wrote:
>
> "Peter Cole" <peter_cole@verizon.net> wrote in message

>> I prefer group rides where the pace is too fast for anyone to talk. I
>> have friends who will speed it up whenever the yakking starts, even to
>> the point of knowing the exact pulse rate that'll shut up the worst
>> offenders. Works well.
>
> That is more or less a proactive version of the same thing. If you are
> going to do something distracting, distance yourself from the group is
> what I was trying to get at. Obviously poorly.
>
> Think of it as something similar to needing to let fly a loogy. You
> would be careful to not let that impact other members of the group.

You haven't ridden in my groups...

Seriously, group rides can be a mixed experience. For our club's fast
rides, we always try to break the group up into manageable 5-7 person
pace lines with staggered starts and matched by (self-judged) speed. It
rarely works perfectly -- groups overtake then merge as the slower group
decides they all want to match the faster, etc. In social rides, or even
the "social start" of fast rides, there's often a lot of yakking and
riding several abreast. Mass rides can be really bad. I don't think it's
practical to isolate cell phone use, nor to try to control that kind of
social behavior, some people just seem to find it a natural thing to do.
I think I'm as social as the next guy (despite the impressions my
postings might have given), but I'd prefer to socialize after the ride
rather than during. I just pick the right rides or ride in a gap or off
the back. It's easier than trying to control behavior.

[Jeff]

recycled wrote:
>
> "Peter Cole" <peter_cole@verizon.net> wrote in message
> news:Jelkk.642$rb5.384@trnddc04...
>
>> I don't know what you're concerned about -- courtesy or safety.
>
> Courtesy. I just threw in the 'stop' part in anticipation of the 'but
> it's stil not safe' rebuttal.
....snip...

20 lengths off the back is excessive, regardless whether for safety or
courtesy.

Not all phones have vibrate mode (for instance, mine does not). Not all
of us have gear that allows vibrate mode to be useful while cycling.

If your group is getting enough calls that you need rules about cell
phones, look for a new group. I ride for fun. Having to mind a boat
load of rules (keeping in mind that rules tend to multiply over time) is
not fun. At least not for me.

If we were all 12 years old, rules might be appropriate. Adults ought
to be able to work things out in a reasonable manner between themselves.

[Roger Zoul]

"Dane Buson" <dane@unseen.edu> wrote
> My group has people taking calls semi-frequently.


What does "semi-frequently" mean? Is that like "frequently/2"?

:)

[Dane Buson]

Roger Zoul <rogerzoul2@hotmail.com> wrote:
> "Dane Buson" <dane@unseen.edu> wrote
>
>> My group has people taking calls semi-frequently.
>
> What does "semi-frequently" mean? Is that like "frequently/2"?
>
> :)

More like bi-occasionally I think.

:-P

--
Dane "It's bad enough my wife makes fun on my English" Buson
So, for practical use, it's actually better now than before I
set fire to it. -- Dave in the Monastery

[recycled]

"Dane Buson" <dane@unseen.edu> wrote in message
news:j6t9m5-ge9.ln1@curare.zuvembi.homelinux.org...
> Roger Zoul <rogerzoul2@hotmail.com> wrote:
>> "Dane Buson" <dane@unseen.edu> wrote
>>
>>> My group has people taking calls semi-frequently.
>>
>> What does "semi-frequently" mean? Is that like "frequently/2"?
>>
>> :)
>
> More like bi-occasionally I think.
>
> :-P

So if you can't not look to see who is calling, you are Bi-curious?

[recycled]

"Shawn" <film@eleven.net> wrote in message
news:IrWdnZPTYoqsow7VnZ2dnUVZ_orinZ2d@comcast.com. ..
> recycled wrote:
>
> snip
>
>> I'll reiterate though: this isn't for my own benefit. I don't do groups
>> rides nor carry a cell. They can bike in the nude after eating only
>> baked beans while blasting out La Cucaracha! in unison on their ringtones
>> for all I care.
>
> You're trolling then.'

Mmmm no. I'm trying to see if a compromise can be found.

[ZBicyclist]

recycled wrote:
> "Shawn" <film@eleven.net> wrote in message
> news:IrWdnZPTYoqsow7VnZ2dnUVZ_orinZ2d@comcast.com. ..
>> recycled wrote:
>>
>> snip
>>
>>> I'll reiterate though: this isn't for my own benefit. I don't do
>>> groups rides nor carry a cell. They can bike in the nude after
>>> eating only baked beans while blasting out La Cucaracha! in
>>> unison
>>> on their ringtones for all I care.
>>
>> You're trolling then.'
>
> Mmmm no. I'm trying to see if a compromise can be found.

This might presume r.b.m. had some authority.

Perhaps we should thank you for the compliment, however undeserved
it might be.

[Tom Sherman]

ZBicyclist wrote:
> recycled wrote:
>> "Shawn" <film@eleven.net> wrote in message
>> news:IrWdnZPTYoqsow7VnZ2dnUVZ_orinZ2d@comcast.com. ..
>>> recycled wrote:
>>>
>>> snip
>>>
>>>> I'll reiterate though: this isn't for my own benefit. I don't do
>>>> groups rides nor carry a cell. They can bike in the nude after
>>>> eating only baked beans while blasting out La Cucaracha! in
>>>> unison
>>>> on their ringtones for all I care.
>>> You're trolling then.'
>> Mmmm no. I'm trying to see if a compromise can be found.
>
> This might presume r.b.m. had some authority.
>
Well, if only all the posters would agree with those of us who are
correct... ;)

--
Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
“Mary had a little lamb / And when she saw it sicken /
She shipped it off to Packingtown / And now it’s labeled chicken.”

[recycled]

"ZBicyclist" <ZBicyclist@excite.com> wrote in message
news:dkllk.6212$np7.5509@flpi149.ffdc.sbc.com...
> recycled wrote:

>>> You're trolling then.'
>>
>> Mmmm no. I'm trying to see if a compromise can be found.
>
> This might presume r.b.m. had some authority.

No. It presumes that adults - some at least - can discuss issues they
disagree on in a mature manner without resorting to flames.

> Perhaps we should thank you for the compliment, however undeserved it
> might be.

Your welcome.

[Peter Cole]

Rex Kerr wrote:
> Peter Cole wrote:
>> more riders. I prefer group rides where the pace is too fast for
>> anyone to talk. I have friends who will speed it up whenever the
>> yakking starts, even to the point of knowing the exact pulse rate
>> that'll shut up the worst offenders. Works well.
>
> Why do a social activity if you're going to be (un/anti)social?

I prefer to socialize after the ride, usually.

> I like
> meeting new people when I'm out for a ride and often talk to other
> commuters or others on larger organized rides. (I don't ride in club rides)

I don't do "large organized rides" for a number of reasons. The group
rides I do are either fast pace line rides or (very) long distance
rides. Socializing is really out of place in fast pace line rides, and
on really long rides, I prefer to just get into the solitude. I've never
thought of cycling as a particularly social activity, if that was my
primary interest I'd take up golf.